Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects almost all children
at least once before they are 2 years old. Most of the time
this virus only causes minor cold like symptoms; however,
for some babies it can be more dangerous.

For premature babies, RSV can be very serious. Premature
infants often have underdeveloped lungs and may not be strong
enough to fight off RSV once they have been infected.

Each year, about 125,000 children are hospitalized in the
United States with RSV disease, and approximately 500 of these
children will die. In the first 2 years of life, RSV is the
leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis (a swelling of
the small airways), and also can trigger other respiratory
disorders such as asthma.

Who is at risk?

Infants born prematurely and term infants younger than 6
weeks are at increased risk for developing serious RSV disease.
Children with medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease,
serious heart problems, or problems with their immune systems
that they were either born with or from treatments for cancer
or organ transplants, also are at risk.

The following factors may place a child at higher risk for
becoming infected with RSV:
• Living in crowded households (more than 4 people in
the home)
• Other children living in the household (especially
when 2 or more children share a bedroom)
• Attending a child care program
• Being born as one of multiple births (such as twins
or triplets)

How is RSV spread?

Respiratory syncytial virus infection occurs most often from
late fall to early spring. Most illness occurs usually between
October and May, although there may be regional seasonal variations.
It comes only from humans and is highly contagious. The virus
can live for several hours on a surface such as a countertop,
a table, a playpen, or unwashed hands. It is spread by direct
or close physical contact, such as touching or kissing an
infected person, or contact with a contaminated surface.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

For most children the symptoms of RSV resemble the common
cold and include

runny nose

coughing

low grade fever.

Signs of more serious infection my include

difficult or rapid breathing

wheezing

irritability and restlessness

poor appetite.

How can I protect my child
from RSV?

There are important steps you can take, especially in the
first few months of your child’s life to prevent exposure
to the virus including the following:

Make sure everyone who touches your baby always washes
his or her hands first.

Keep your baby away from anyone who has a cold, fever,
or runny nose, as well as from crowded areas like shopping
malls.

Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke. Parents should
be especially careful not to expose their infants and young
children to secondhand tobacco smoke, which increases the
risk of severe viral respiratory infections.

If your infant is younger than 2 years and is at high risk,
there is a medication that we may prescribe that could reduce
the risk of developing serious RSV infection by about 50%.
Palivizumab is easy to administer and will not interfere or
delay your child’s regular vaccinations.

How is RSV infection treated?

Most minor cases of RSV infection disappear on their own
within 5 to 7 days; however, if your baby is experiencing
severe symptoms, we may use a nasal secretion test to determine
the cause of the infection. If you child needs to be hospitalized,
we will work with you to insure the very best care for your
child. Prompt treatment is especially important if your child
is at high risk for developing serious RSV disease.

Used by Permission: The American
Academy of Pediatrics.

"Behold,
children are a gift of the Lord;
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."
Psalm 127:3a,5a